Schneider Electric's 2024 Sustainability Program: Early Success And Next Steps

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on Apr 30, 2025

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Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, launched its ambitious 2024 Sustainability Program with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This program aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future, aligning with global efforts towards net-zero emissions and sustainable development. This article will explore the program's early successes and outline the key steps planned for the future.

Early Successes of Schneider Electric's 2024 Sustainability Program:

Significant Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Schneider Electric has already made considerable progress in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. The company has achieved a notable decrease in its overall carbon footprint, encompassing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This success is attributed to several key initiatives:

• Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions Reduction: A documented X% reduction in Scope 1 (direct) emissions, Y% reduction in Scope 2 (indirect from energy consumption) emissions, and Z% reduction in Scope 3 (value chain) emissions has been achieved. These figures are based on rigorous methodologies aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
• Renewable Energy Adoption: Significant investments in renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, have powered a large portion of Schneider Electric's operations, directly contributing to CO2 reduction.
• Energy Efficiency Improvements: Implementation of energy-efficient technologies and practices across its facilities has resulted in substantial energy savings and a consequent decrease in carbon emissions. This includes upgrades to HVAC systems, lighting retrofits, and optimized manufacturing processes.

Progress in Sustainable Supply Chain Management:

Schneider Electric is actively building a more sustainable supply chain. The company is committed to responsible sourcing and ethical practices throughout its operations. This commitment includes:

• Sustainable Materials Sourcing: Increased procurement of recycled and sustainably sourced materials, reducing reliance on virgin resources and minimizing environmental impact.
• Ethical Supplier Partnerships: Collaboration with suppliers who adhere to strict environmental and social responsibility standards, ensuring ethical labor practices and environmental protection across the entire value chain.
• Waste Reduction Initiatives: Implementation of waste reduction programs across its manufacturing facilities and supply chain, including recycling, reuse, and responsible disposal strategies. The aim is to move towards a circular economy model.

Enhanced Employee Engagement in Sustainability Initiatives:

Schneider Electric recognizes that employee engagement is crucial for achieving its sustainability goals. The company has implemented various programs to foster a culture of sustainability within its workforce:

• Sustainability Training Programs: Comprehensive training programs educating employees about sustainability issues and Schneider Electric's sustainability initiatives.
• Employee Volunteer Programs: Opportunities for employees to participate in community service projects focused on environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
• Internal Communication Strategies: Regular internal communications highlighting the company's sustainability progress and encouraging employee participation in related initiatives. This includes transparent ESG reporting to keep employees informed.

Next Steps and Future Goals for Schneider Electric's Sustainability Program:

Accelerating the Transition to Renewable Energy Sources:

Schneider Electric plans to significantly accelerate its transition to renewable energy sources. Future plans include:

• Renewable Energy Targets: Setting ambitious targets for increasing the percentage of renewable energy used in its operations, aiming for a near-complete transition within a defined timeframe.
• Investment in Renewable Energy Projects: Continued investment in renewable energy projects, including on-site generation and power purchase agreements (PPAs), to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Grid Decarbonization Strategies: Exploring and implementing strategies to support grid decarbonization, contributing to a wider shift towards a cleaner energy system.

Expanding Sustainable Product Portfolio:

Schneider Electric is committed to expanding its portfolio of sustainable products and solutions. This involves:

• Eco-Design Principles: Integrating eco-design principles throughout the product development lifecycle, focusing on minimizing environmental impact and maximizing resource efficiency.
• Energy-Efficient Products: Developing and launching energy-efficient products that help customers reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint.
• Circular Economy Products: Designing products with end-of-life considerations in mind, promoting reuse, recycling, and responsible disposal to support a circular economy.

Strengthening Collaboration and Partnerships:

Schneider Electric recognizes the importance of collaboration to achieve its sustainability ambitions. The company plans to:

• Industry Collaboration: Working with other companies and industry stakeholders to share best practices and promote the adoption of sustainable technologies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and customers, to foster a collective commitment to sustainability.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Exploring opportunities for public-private partnerships to support large-scale sustainability projects and initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Conclusion:

Schneider Electric's 2024 Sustainability Program has already demonstrated remarkable progress in reducing its environmental impact and advancing corporate social responsibility. The early successes showcased here are a testament to the company's commitment. However, the journey toward a sustainable future is ongoing. By continuing to invest in renewable energy, develop sustainable products, and foster strong collaborations, Schneider Electric is charting a course towards a greener future. To learn more about Schneider Electric's commitment to environmental sustainability and its ongoing 2024 Sustainability Program, visit [link to Schneider Electric's sustainability page]. Stay informed about the progress of Schneider Electric's 2024 Sustainability Program and their continued efforts toward a more sustainable tomorrow.